Spring Break
WSG moves online polling forward
Tyler Lamb
Issue date: 11/4/09 Section: News
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The legislation affirms WSG's commitment to bring online voting to campus, during the spring semester of 2010 in addition to allocate WSG funds for the purchase of software for the project.
"The senate's passage of the Online Voting Act was a historic accomplishment that will make voting in WSG elections more accessible to all students," Sen. Stephen Jansen said.
Jansen said WSG still has concerns regarding the logistics of making online voting a reality. Among their concerns is the ability to verify each student's vote alongside budgetary costs.
"I look forward to working with others to address these concerns," he said. "There was an intense debate on the legislation and I think both sides had valid arguments. In the end, it was exciting to play a role in something with such great historic significance."
Sen. Ian Vaver, who cosponsored the legislation presented to the senate Monday said he feels the legislation was positive step forward for the university.
"The legislation we passed was a way to move forward, it doesn't outline exactly how it will take place," Vaver said. "It would be basically done through a third party vendor."
Vaver said voting would be done through software and depending on the system carrier and software WSG decides to use. A remaining hurdle is funding for the project that still needs to be stipulated.
"There is different ways it could work you would be able to do it from any computer through a secure Web site," Vaver said. "It could happen as soon as the spring but it depends on implementing the technology and how long it takes us to figure out what the best system is."
In addition to providing misinformation WSG leadership has hindered student knowledge regarding online polling. During Monday's senate session Peace, Education, and Activism through Creative Engagement co president Tony Dobner said to the senate, "Last Tuesday [Scully] … came to our meeting and told us a little bit about this issue," Dober said. "We are very concerned that not all students that go to this university have an opportunity to vote."
Dobner said Scully told PEACE that students should support online polling due to the fact 500 students, 5 percent of the student body, does not posses the option to vote.
Deputy speaker, Sen. Rachel Mattke refuted this claim stating students had been told lies regarding students ability to vote online.
"You were just told blatant lies," Mattke said. "I feel sad that an organization was lied to because every student has accessibility to vote on campus. Five hundred students are not excluded in any way, shape or form because there is absentee voting."
According to WSG standing rules if an individual finds it impossible to vote an absentee ballot may be picked up from the WSG office.
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